Important Aspects Of Navicular Disease In Horses
by Mattie Knight
Navicular disease is a chronic illness that commonly affects the forelimbs of athletic horses. Although the exact etiology is largely unknown, it is believed that it is the result of many factors that culminate in the degeneration of the navicular bone, one of the components of the foot. Not only does the condition reduce competitiveness, it is also associated with marked pain. In this article, we will explore some important aspects of <A href="http://www.naviculardisease.com">navicular disease in horses</A>.
The onset of this disease is insidious. Affected horse will be noted to have intermittent lameness in the initial stages. Frequently both the anterior and posterior limbs are affected at the same time. This makes it difficult to make the diagnosis as the two cancel each other out. One of the ways that you can use to assess the problem is to take the horse for a lunge and ensure that it moves in circles in different directions. You will see a limp on the affected limbs.
There are several factors that have been established to predispose to the condition. Conformational abnormalities relating to the hoofs are one of the commonest problems. Those at the greatest risk are narrow, upright, small or have long toes. With such abnormalities, the distribution of weight through the feet is uneven. Some of the tarsal bones such as the navicular bone are progressively damaged leading to lameness.
Racing on hard and irregular ground increases the risk. This is because of increased stress on the tendons connected to the tarsal bones. A similar risk exists in horses that spend most of their day standing. In this position, greater weight has to be borne and this gradually affects the bones and tendons especially if the weight to foot ratio is also high.
Wrong shoe size is another possible predisposing factor. This has been established following a study involving domestic and wild horses. In this study it has been shown that the problem is more prevalent among domestic than wild horses most likely due to running shoes. The shoes prevent expansion of feet during running and contribute to gradual destruction of navicular bones. Barefoot trimming may help in some cases.
Several treatment options exist. These are categorized as either conservative or invasive (surgical). Conservative options involve proper shoe selection and administration of analgesic drugs. NSAIDs are arguably the most commonly used class of drugs. They provide relief in most affected horses but may lead to some side effects especially in the renal and gastrointestinal systems. Stopping drug administration intermittently helps minimize these side effects.
Steroids are also effective for the management of chronic pain especially if NSAIDs have failed to yield positive results. These are typically administered into the bursa around the navicular bone. An average of 4 months of treatment provides symptomatic relief in at least 80% of affected animals. The main side effect of administering these drugs is increased risk of tendon rupture.
There are several types of surgeries that can be performed. It should be emphasized that surgery merely provides relief but not cure. Surgery may also improve competitiveness. Palmer digital neurectomy is the commonest type of surgery that is performed.
<a href="http://www.naviculardisease.com">Read more about</a> Important Aspects Of Navicular Disease In Horses.
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New Unique Article!
Title: Important Aspects Of Navicular Disease In Horses
Author: Mattie Knight
Email: nathanwebster335@live.com
Keywords: medicine, health, treatment, healthy
Word Count: 528
Category: Medicine
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